Guide to Endings in Baldur's Gate 3
Every tale has a conclusion. Perhaps it's now the perfect moment for a "villainous" playthrough, don't you think?
On August 14, 2023, at 10:03AM PDT, writer Jason Rodriguez shared the following information.
Baldur's Gate 3 offers players multiple endings based on the decisions they make during the game. These endings are influenced by choices made during companion quests, romantic relationships, and important decisions made towards the end of the game. In this guide, we will discuss the various endings observed in Baldur's Gate 3. However, please note that this article contains spoilers.
Guide to Baldur's Gate 3 Endings
Our comprehensive guide to the endings of Baldur's Gate 3 is divided into various sections, each focusing on a specific branch or choice you make during the final stages of the game. We provide detailed information about the various scenes and results that involve your companions, as well as important characters.
Key Choice: Choosing Between Right and Wrong
Following your victory over the Netherbrain in the ultimate showdown, a crucial decision awaits you regarding the fate of the Crown of Karsus.
In the good ending of Baldur's Gate 3, the Netherbrain, which is a powerful entity, crashes into the sea and then explodes. This causes chaos among the Mind Flayers, and the townspeople take advantage of the situation by rising up and eliminating all of them. Your entire group gathers by the harbor to witness this event, as the sun sets and everyone says their goodbyes and prepares for a fresh start. Afterwards, there are separate scenes that focus on each companion's story, which will be explored in more detail in the Character Conclusions section.
Please note that players of Dark Urge who were successful in controlling their urge to kill and those who managed to command the Netherbrain to self-destruct will also experience this particular ending.
The dark conclusion and a touch of Bhaal
To achieve the evil ending in Baldur's Gate 3, your character must seize control of the Netherbrain and become the Absolute. This may involve eliminating a Mind Flayer ally, such as the Emperor, Orpheus, or even Karlach. Your companions are shocked by your actions, but you quickly exert control over their minds too. In the distance, other Illithids float in the air while more Nautiloids emerge, marking the rise of a new Illithid Empire with you as its leader.
Remark 1: Individuals who do not follow Bhaal or Dark Urge players who have refused the god's blessing will simply utter: "In my name." However, those who still remain loyal to the god of murder will declare: "In Bhaal's name."
Please be aware that you will not be able to access the companion scenes at the harbor, the scene with Withers, or any special moments with your romantic partner.
The Netherese Bomb Ending – Bypassing the Final Battle
In Baldur's Gate 3, there is an ending that gives players the ability to completely avoid the final battle. Although the exact conditions are unclear, we managed to achieve this ending by successfully completing Gale's storyline. Here's a breakdown of our approach:
Gale ascends to the highest point by himself and triggers the explosive device made from Weave. This event is similar to the sudden conclusion in Act 2 just before the battle against Ketheric Thorm. Regardless, the rest of the group observes the explosion from the harbor.
Please take note that Gale's scene from the good ending can still occur even if it was believed that he died in the explosion. However, other characters will acknowledge his sacrifice, although this could potentially be a bug.
Point 2: The scene involving our character's romantic partner was not included in the arc we selected.
Character Resolutions
These are the various conclusions available in Baldur's Gate 3. They correspond to the different scenarios that players can experience after achieving the good ending by defeating the Netherbrain.
In the game Free Orpheus, our choice was to free the Githyanki prince from captivity. However, this decision angered the Emperor, causing him to align himself with the Netherbrain's army. Ultimately, we had to confront and defeat him in the final battle, along with his loyal Dream Guardians.
In the game Free Orpheus, a decision was made to have Orpheus transform into a Mind Flayer. However, there is an alternative storyline where another member of the party (such as your character or Karlach) becomes a Mind Flayer, allowing Orpheus to continue being a Githyanki.
If Orpheus is indeed a Mind Flayer, he assigns Lae'zel the responsibility of assuming his role and commanding his dragons. Her mission is to gather the Githyanki forces and overthrow the reign of his mother, Vlaakith. Additionally, Orpheus requests that you display compassion by using his sword to carry out his execution, as he can no longer go back to his Illithid community.
In the game Gale, regardless of whether or not Gale sacrifices himself using the "chest bomb," players will still encounter his scene in the ending. During this scene, Gale will ask the player what should be done with the Crown of Karsus. The player has three options: they can instruct Gale to bring the Crown to Mystra, use it to gain more power for himself, or leave it lost and hidden forever.
In a brief scene, Astarion was unexpectedly burned by sunlight and hurriedly fled, with a friend commenting that it could be the last time he was seen in daylight. While we can't be certain, this incident might be connected to the events in Cazador's Dungeon. During our playthrough, we advised Astarion against participating in the ritual to become a Vampire Ascendant, which could be a reason for his current weakness. Alternatively, it could be attributed to the fact that everyone's brain tadpoles have been eliminated.
In the finale of Baldur's Gate 3, the characters Karlach and Wyll play significant roles. Although our playthrough did not involve a romantic relationship with Karlach, we were able to partially repair her Infernal Engine. However, despite our efforts, the engine remained unstable, leaving Karlach with the knowledge that her impending death is inevitable. Her alternative is to go back to the hellish realm of Avernus.
Additionally, we were able to successfully finish Wyll's storyline.
In his role as the Blade of Avernus, Wyll has the ability to propose to Karlach that she should go back to the hells. He assures her that he will be by her side, guarding and shielding her from Zariel throughout the entire journey.
Romantic Partner: Shadowheart
In the last scene of our character's story, our romantic partner, Shadowheart, played a significant role. The outcome of this scene depends on the choices we made during the Gauntlet of Shar, Nightsong encounter, and the House of Grief. Based on our decisions, here's what happened:
In the upcoming scenes, viewers will have the opportunity to witness Withers as he taunts the Dead Three: Bane, Bhaal, and Myrkul. Withers expresses that these powerful beings may have underestimated his awareness of their schemes. It is evident that Withers has been engaged in a prolonged battle against these godlike entities.
That concludes the information about the different endings available in Baldur's Gate 3. However, there are still some aspects that are not fully explained, such as the individual storylines for Jaheira, Minsc, and Halsin. It is uncertain if there are any specific scenes or events dedicated to them, as their involvement in the game was limited to random remarks and comments.
Baldur's Gate 3 is packed with numerous activities and hidden surprises. You will undoubtedly embark on an adventure that can easily consume countless hours to finish. If you're seeking additional tips, you can explore our comprehensive BG3 guides hub on Xgamingserver.
The products mentioned in this article were selected by our editors based on their own judgment. If you make a purchase through the links provided on our site, Xgamingserver may earn a portion of the revenue.
If you have any news tips or would like to get in touch with us directly, you can reach us at news@Xgaming
Engage in the
Utilize the keys on your
Sign in to leave a comment
Add comment